Seasonal Stories · 18. May 2025

Last time, I wrote that the shincha (new green tea) season had just started. This week, I finally went to visit the green tea fields, and I’m happy to say — the season is really in full swing now! It’s even more beautiful than I expected.

Seasonal Stories · 07. May 2025

You might be feeling a little sad as the cherry blossom season comes to an end. But don’t worry, there’s something else just as exciting has already arrived: Shincha season! Shincha, which means "new tea" (Shin = new, Cha = tea in Japanese), marks the start of one of Japan’s most exciting tea seasons.

Seasonal Stories · 25. March 2025

There's a Japanese expression that goes, 'Three Cold Days, and Four Warm Days.' This is how spring arrives each year. There were some very cold days last week, but it's been quite warm the past few days. I pass by Sumpu Castle park almost every day and have been longing for the time when the cherry blossoms start blooming. And then, FINALLY, the cherry blossoms have started to bloom! The weather forecast reports that they will be in full bloom on April 4th-5th, around the time of Shizuoka...

Tourist spots in Shizuoka/Shimizu · 07. February 2025

Did you know you can enjoy Geisha dance not only in Kyoto, but also in other parts of Japan? Shizuoka/Shimizu is one of them!

Food · 25. January 2025

Have you ever tried wasabi? If you're a fan of Japanese food such as sushi or sashimi,, you may have. Its spiciness gives a special flavor to these dishes.　Wasabi is a plant native to Japan. While there are several areas in Japan where wasabi is widely cultivated, the Utohgi area in Shizuoka is the birthplace of water wasabi cultivation, which began around 400 years ago.

Seasonal Stories · 11. January 2025

The Japan Meteorological Corporation released its first 2025 cherry blossom forecast on January 9th, which is very exciting news (https://n-kishou.com/corp/news-contents/sakura/?lang=en). According to the report, cherry blossoms in Shizuoka will fully bloom in the first week of April. (next update: 23 Jan.) Cherry blossoms in full bloom are one of Japan’s most iconic and breathtaking sights. I also look forward to the cherry blossom season every year. There are thousands of places across...

Seasonal Stories · 06. January 2025

Today, there was exciting news. The highly popular drama series SHOGUN won the Golden Globe Awards— not just one, but four! If you are interested in the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, who is said to have been the inspiration for the character that Golden Globe winner Sanada Hiroyuki portrayed in the series, I truly recommend visiting Shizuoka. The city has many historic sites related to him.

Seasonal Stories · 01. January 2025

Happy New Year! It is a calm, sunny New Year's Day here in Shizuoka.

Tourist spots in Shizuoka/Shimizu · 29. December 2024

As a Shizuoka native, I would like all visitors to see Mount Fuji, one of Japan's most iconic and well-known symbols. Many of my guests often ask me when the best time to see Mount Fuji is throughout the year. Actually, Mount Fuji shows its different appearance depending on the seasons.

Food · 21. December 2024

UNESCO recognized Japan's traditional alcohol brewing method as an intangible cultural heritage on December 5th, 2024!